What the arsons of churches tells us

The burnt church. Photo: Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy

On 26 September 2024, unknown individuals set fire to the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Theotokos of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy of the UOC in the village of Stari Koshary.

In 2019, this community already lost their temple. The believers did not confront the attackers but instead began building another church for themselves.

You would think the attackers had gotten what they wanted—they seized the church that the community had restored and beautified with their own efforts. They could pray in it and leave the Orthodox believers to live as they see fit. But no! For the church attackers, it's not enough just to take a building from the Orthodox; they are offended by the very existence of a Christian community.

Where does this hatred come from? Where do the malice and hostility arise? Why can't the supporters of the OCU tolerate the presence of an Orthodox community nearby?

The answer to this question is given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ: "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).

In fact, it is quite simple: representatives of the OCU, not being Christians in their essence, cannot stand those who, by their very existence, expose their hypocrisy.

This is why, by observing the actions of Dumenko's followers, one can clearly see that they have nothing in common with faith in God. If you burn a church, poison a priest's well, or commit any other injustice, know that it is far from the teachings of the Gospel!

Orthodox Christians must firmly remember the last words of the quoted passage: "Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you."

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